Hot Topics:

Downs ends temporary dispatch jobs

Ruidoso Downs Council has now rescinded the permission for the Ruidoso Downs Police Department to hire a half dozen temporary certified dispatchers they granted a year ago.

"This time last year we had a large vacancy in dispatch at the police department," Police Chief Doug Babcock told city councilors. "We were able to hire the people listed on this agenda briefing as part-time dispatchers for about 30 days. We have no longer a need for them after that 30 days. We haven't used them since then and according to city policy as temporary part-time period of employment can only last for up to one year. So we're asking the council to approve the discharge of these temporary employees."

Questioned about the present status of the dispatch office, Babcock said the radio room is fully staffed.

"If we become short again, we'll try to do the same program again," Babcock said. "But I don't foresee a shortage in dispatch at this time."

In a Feb. 13, 2012, memo to then Mayor Tom Armstrong, Babcock said the police department had become short handed in dispatch personnel because two employees had left. With just three remaining dispatchers at the time to cover three shifts, Babcock said there would be no off time or the dispatchers would have to work 12-hour shifts. He suggested the department be allowed to hire Ruidoso police dispatchers on a part-time, temporary basis to fill in. Babcock said Ruidoso's police chief was OK with the idea of taking on a second job at Ruidoso Downs.